“It is rather for us here dedicated to the great task remaining before us, that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion.”
- February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865
- American
- Politician, lawyer
- As the 16th President of the United States, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation and led the Civil War to maintain the unity of the nation.
Quote
“It is rather for us here dedicated to the great task remaining before us, that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion.”
Explanation
In this quote from Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, he speaks to the living, urging them to honor the sacrifice of those who died in the Civil War by rededicating themselves to the cause of liberty and national unity. The phrase “last full measure of devotion” refers to the ultimate sacrifice made by soldiers who gave their lives for the preservation of the Union. Lincoln’s message emphasizes that the living must continue the work that the fallen soldiers began, ensuring that their deaths were not in vain. His words inspire a sense of moral responsibility for the future, urging the nation to carry forward the ideals of equality, freedom, and democracy that the Union was founded upon.
The historical context of the quote lies in the heart of the American Civil War, when the nation was deeply divided. Lincoln’s address was delivered at the Gettysburg National Cemetery on November 19, 1863, a few months after the Battle of Gettysburg, one of the bloodiest and most significant battles of the war. The Union had suffered tremendous losses, and Lincoln used this moment to remind the nation of the sacredness of the cause for which so many had died: the preservation of the Union and the abolition of slavery. The speech, while honoring the dead, also reaffirmed the moral imperative of the Union’s cause, linking it to the founding principles of the United States as outlined in the Declaration of Independence.
In modern times, this quote resonates in moments of national crisis or loss, urging people to honor sacrifices by committing to the ideals and values that were fought for. Whether in the context of military service, social justice movements, or civil rights struggles, Lincoln’s words remind us that it is the responsibility of the living to carry forward the work of those who gave their lives for the greater good. It speaks to the importance of devotion to the common good, and to ensuring that the sacrifices of the past continue to inspire future generations to work toward a more just and unified society.
